# Dowel Pins

Dowel pins are simple, fixed-diameter pins used to **define position.**\
They can locate parts and fixtures consistently during CNC machining.

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### What dowel pins are used for

Dowel pins are commonly used to:

* locate a part in a repeatable position
* align a workpiece to an axis or edge
* reposition a part after removal
* align fixture plates or sub-plates

They help remove ambiguity from setup by defining **where a part must sit**, instead of relying on visual alignment.

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### How dowel pins define position

A typical locating setup uses:

* **two dowel pins** to define position and rotation
* clamps or screws only to hold the part down

The pins establish reference; the clamps provide force.

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### Why this matters

Without fixed locating features:

* parts may sit slightly differently each time
* reloading parts becomes unreliable
* zero points can shift unintentionally

Dowel pins turn setup into a **repeatable mechanical reference**.

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#### Search terms to buy

* Cylindrical pin DIN 7979

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